Manchester United’s injury list is growing seemingly by the day. With as many as seven players either doubtful or fully ruled out for this weekend’s home game against Southampton, Jose Mourinho is presiding over a side which is already depleted.
On top of that, though, with a trip to Sam Allardyce’s Everton up just two days later, and with some of his best players having already played a string of gruelling 90 minute tests with little rest in between, the United manager may well have to dig into the resources and play weaker teams than he may have liked against both the Saints and the Toffees either side of the New Year celebrations.
With that in mind, we asked Manchester United fans whether Mourinho should start Lukaku or Zlatan Ibrahimovic against Southampton. The response, though, was the kind you might have expected: inconclusive.
Lukaku hasn’t scored a goal in three games, since his headed opener against West Brom just before the start of the Christmas period – he ended a goal drought at the start of December only to seemingly start a new one just a couple of games later. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, too, has only scored once all season – a free-kick against Bristol City in the League Cup.
With Anthony Martial a doubt for the clash at the weekend, and with Marcus Rashford goalless in five appearances since the Manchester derby, it seems as though everyone at United is undecided on just what the best way forward is.
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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes Luis Suarez deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, after the Uruguayan’s stunning performance in the 5-1 win over Norwich City, reports the Telegraph.
The striker became the first player in Premier League history to score three hat tricks against the same team, as he netted four superb goals and provided an assist, as the Reds bounced back from Sunday’s defeat at Hull City with a convincing 5-1 win at Anfield.
“He deserves mention with Messi and Ronaldo,” Rodgers said. “For a few years they have been out on their own, but Luis is still only 26 and still making improvements to his game.
“I’ve not seen many performances like that. It was sheer brilliance and a joy to watch. He is technically very good, but it was a remarkable individual performance. As a manager you like to talk about the team, but you have got to hold up Luis as one of the best strikers in the world.
“With modern day, world-class operators like Ronaldo, Bale and Messi it’s about the numbers and what they produce. Look at the goals he scores and the assists he makes.
“I don’t even know which was the best goal. I look at the first one and the dip he got on the ball from so far out was outstanding, but I then look at the third goal and think what an incredible effort that was.”
The performance of Suarez will have no doubt made a host of top clubs across Europe sit up and take notice, but despite being heavily linked with a move away from the Reds in the past, Rodgers believes Anfield is the perfect stage for Suarez to perform.
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“This club suits him and I think his best years will be here,” he added. “The connection and profile of Luis and Anfield is a hand in glove fit. Our type of football allows him to operate in those spaces.”
Blackpool and Barnsley both celebrated their 125th birthday on Saturday and they couldn’t have asked for a better day. After the two week international break the sun was shining on what felt like the first game of the season again.
Football fans from Lancashire and Yorkshire, not ones to pass up the chance of a bargain ticket at just £12.50, made up a bumper crowd that certainly looked like more than the quoted 14,134. The atmosphere was brilliant and as the pre-match fun and games subsided the players came out to fireworks that in all honesty were about as impressive as ignited passing of wind. But it’s the thought that counts.
Blackpool went into this game on the back of a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Leicester, and Holloway’s selection showed that he wasn’t happy with what he saw that day. Seven changes were made but, such is the depth of the squad, it was still a very strong side on show.
The first half was a bizarre 45 minutes of football. Gilks made a fantastic save inside the first minute to prevent an early goal, after which it was all Blackpool with good passing and patient play carving out a few chances. But it was Barnsley who struck first after 14 minutes with the previous goal-saver Gilks feeling he should do better as Davies’ shot crept under his lethargic dive. Seemingly lifted by their goal, Barnsley piled on some pressure and had the best of the game until; against the run of play on the half hour mark; Martinez slipped a great ball through to Ince who slotted his finish under the Red’s keeper. The game finally settled into some sort of rhythm for the final 15 minutes of the half with both sides having some good opportunities but failing to convert.
After a really good first half, there was an expectation that the next 45 minutes would build on that. Neither side came out with much gusto though and the game needed something to help it burst into life.
That moment probably came when Barnsley’s dangerman Davies curled an effort which forced Gilks into another great save. That seemed to spark Blackpool into life and the rest of the game belonged to the Tangerines as they penned Barnsley in their own half for the last half hour.
Osbourne came on for the relatively quiet Martinez, which allowed Sylvestre to move forward and really begin pulling the strings. Despite having all of the possession and pressure, poor final decisions cost Blackpool as they searched for a winner. Ince was brilliant and frustrating all at the same time as he would waltz his way into the box and continually choose the wrong option. Gomes had a good shot saved, Baptise and Matty Phillips both had long range shots blocked and a series of corners passed without threat as Barnsley saw off a late surge.
Overall, a point each was probably fair, although Keith Hill said both teams deserved three points, which would always be nice. Blackpool fans left frustrated, which is a sign of the expectations at Bloomfield road this year.
The passing was not as slick as we would expect and despite a 2 week break, the players seemed oddly sluggish. Although the defence performed well, it was a simple goal to give away as players were sucked in. The midfield lacked something until Osbourne came on and when Gomes joined in later. Having Osbourne as an anchor allows the team to be more creative which Sylvestre did well, but he never looks fully fit, probably because he never gets the chance to play regularly. Taylor-Fletcher would be more valuable in the forward line which would allow another place in midfield for Gomes, who I thought was unlucky to be dropped. And as much as it pains me to say it, perhaps it is now time that Kevin Phillips was used as an impact player. His link up play is great and you normally can’t knock his finishing, but he strangely seems to be lacking confidence and a player more willing to rotate positions may be a better idea from the start. Hopefully Tuesday’s game with Middlesbrough will see a few tweaks rather than wholesale changes.
But you have to give credit to Barnsley. You wouldn’t have guessed they were struggling with injures as they put on a really cohesive display. The philosophy that Keith Hill tries to instil was evident too, as his players passed it around nicely and pressed quickly. Another indication of the style was that although their biggest threat was the mountainous Craig Davies, they didn’t simply play to his head, instead using clever movement to feed off him.
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I respect Keith Hill and what he is trying to do at a club similar to ours. Restricted budget and fanbase, and unfashionable in many ways, but he wants to play the right way. In fact, if and when Holloway moves on, he is the kind of man I would like to take the reigns. This game, although neither team will be thrilled with a point, was a testament to two men with a shared passion. Football, played how it should be played.
Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt is only 18 years old, but he is swiftly becoming one of the regular names in the transfer gossip pages.
Manchester City are believed to be keen to add the youngster to Pep Guardiola’s Premier League-winning squad for the 2018-19 campaign.
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain is working behind the scenes on striking a deal for De Ligt.
The report claims that Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the young talent.
This season, the centre-back has started 33 Eredivisie matches, as well as two in the Champions League and two in the Europa League.
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City romped to the league title this season, but Guardiola will want to bring in some new additions this summer in order to boost his squad.
The defence is an area that could do with some extra bodies to cope with the demands of each competition, and the majority of fans believe that De Ligt would be a positive signing.
As reported by The Sun, Liverpool have been handed a big boost in their pursuit of Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij after the Italian club revealed contract discussions had broken down and the player would be free to leave in January.
The Dutch international’s contract expires at the end of the season, meaning he will likely be a prime target for a number of big European clubs next month.
After impressive spells at Feyenoord and in Serie A, he could be exactly what the Anfield are looking for in order to settle down their under fire defensive line.
Fans are certainly keen, desperate to land the player when the transfer window opens, with many hoping that the Reds partner him with his international teammate Virgil van Dijk.
Would adding those two players solve Liverpool’s defensive woes or do they simply ship too many goals due to the tactics and style of Jurgen Klopp’s system?
Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on a potential de Vrij signing…
I recently had the pleasure of having an interview with Grant Holt. The striker was returning from a day promoting his greyhound racing venture called SMGH Racing Club. This was something that started during his time at Norwich with fellow striker Steve Morison.
The venture has recently received a boost after Ladbrokes decided it was something they wanted to get involved with. Membership is growing rapidly and currently stands at 50 members; it is clearly something that the striker is very passionate and excited about.
However, there was also a chance to have a brief chat about football including his recent move to Wigan and his time at Norwich…
His time at Norwich:
It’s clear through speaking to Grant that he enjoyed the football under Paul Lambert, but became a bit disillusioned by the change of style utilised by Chris Hughton. He admitted to me that he wasn’t really enjoying his football last season, and this is something that he has alluded to in other interviews. Furthermore, he said that the club had decided to go in a different direction and in order for them to bring in new strikers like Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel it was necessary for someone to leave in order to free up budget. However, he did say that he enjoyed his time at the club as a whole and thanked supporters and media for messages he had received via Twitter during his time and supportive articles that had been written about him.
Ready for a new challenge:
He said on his move to Wigan that it felt right, and he was ready for a new challenge. Also, it made sense to him from a location point of view. Talking to him, it seems clear that he is genuinely excited by the potential of the squad at Wigan. We agreed that it was a very good squad for the Championship and is hopeful for a successful season. Wigan were not the only offer, but he was impressed with the way they handled it and they showed their hand first. Grant describes the Wigan squad as fantastic.
Chances for Norwich City:
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We talked a bit about how he saw the future for Norwich. Grant admitted that it was a good squad, and he was leaving the club at a good place. We talked a little about progression, and I suggested that Norwich could look beyond the last two seasons finishing 11th and 12th. However, the striker feels that the Premier League is very tough to compete in and feels this is really the best case scenario for Norwich. And if Wigan can get back there then it will be a very similar situation in keeping the team in the league. The key is to stay there, build up the income and progress as much as you can.
Grant Holt is part owner of the SMGH Racing Club, with former Norwich team mate Steve Morison. Ladbrokes are proud sponsors of the club. For more information go to http://www.steveandgrantsracingclub.co.uk/
Last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton and Hove Albion led to some grumblings amongst the Burnley fans.
After the excellent opening day win over Bolton Wanderers, hopes were high that this could be the season where we progress from wallowing in mid table and make a concerted charge at the top six.
But three defeats on the spin – with an unconvincing penalty shootout win over Plymouth Argyle in between – means that some fans are starting to scale down their ambitions for the season.
I wrote last week about our worrying strength in depth, and I still see that as a major issue. The club was given a boost in midweek with the news that Danny Ings’ surgery went as well as could be expected and there is a chance he could return before the turn of the year. But the fact still remains that if Charlie Austin gets injured, this is a side that could struggle to score goals.
But that is a hypothetical issue and not one I am going to cover in detail here. I think it is important that the fans treat the manager with a great deal of patience and are prepared to give him time to achieve what he wants to achieve. When he arrived here he was asked to reduce both the wage bill and the average age of the squad, and he has done just that.
It has been said time and time again, and with good reason: the Championship is the most competitive league in Europe. Three defeats on the bounce are an obvious cause for concern, but in this division any side are just as likely to turn that around and win three in a row.
Howe is slowly building a young, good footballing side and in my opinion he needs to be allowed time to do that. Now is not the time for a knee jerk reaction from the fans; they have backed Howe since he came into the job and need to continue to do so.
The season is only four games old; September is no time to be calling for changes to be made, and the fans need to look at the facts. We have a relatively small squad and relatively small gate receipts compared to other clubs in the division. As I said before, it is a tough, competitive league and it is difficult for such a young side to be able to challenge the top six for a promotion slot.
The board appear to be behind Howe and what he is trying to do, and that is crucial. I think they have learned their lesson from the abysmal appointment of Brian Laws and they really believe they have the right man for the job this time.
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I am in full agreement with them; Howe has a long term goal and it may take a while to reach it. The fans need to be prepared for the possibility of another season entrenched in the middle of the Championship, anything more would be seen as a bonus.
I plead patience and tolerance amongst the Burnley faithful; please, give the man some time.
It has not quite been the season that West Ham United would have hoped for, but the Hammers ended the 2017-18 campaign on a positive note with a 3-1 victory over Everton at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
There are still a number of problems for the club’s board to address this summer, but the West Ham fans were left feeling pretty good about their team’s performance against the Toffees.
Marko Arnautovic was again on the scoresheet for the London club, but it was Manuel Lanzini that made the biggest impression with two goals during a fine showing in the English capital.
Lanzini has not been without his problems this season, with injuries to his knee and hamstring making it difficult for the Argentine to find full flow.
There is no question that the 25-year-old is a wonderful talent, however, and he made Everton dance to his tune at the London Stadium at the weekend.
His two goals grabbed the attention, but it was the attacker’s overall work that impressed the most. Indeed, a pass success rate of 91% shows just how well he used the ball, whilst four dribbles demonstrate that the Argentina international was not afraid to carry possession.
The fact that Lanzini, who is valued at £16.2m by transfermarkt.co.uk, scored from two of his three shots, meanwhile, indicates just how clinical he was in the final third of the field.
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Everton just could not live with the former River Plate youngster on the afternoon, and it is absolutely vital that West Ham build their team around him next season.
Liverpool are said to be huge admirers, but if the Hammers have hopes of pushing for a Europa League position over the next season or two then they simply have to keep their star players, and Lanzini certainly falls into that category.
Celtic head into tonight’s clash with Partick Thistle with the chance to put the nightmare of Sunday’s visit to Tynecastle behind them.
There’s no more talk of unbeaten runs, no more hiding places for players in faltering form and no more room for dropped points with Aberdeen breathing down their neck.
A win over their city rivals at Celtic Park this evening will see them move five points clear of the Dons ahead of a mammoth match against Derek McInnes’ side at the weekend.
It’ll be interesting to see what kind of starting eleven Brendan Rodgers goes for. Will he ring the changes and drop some of the worst performers against Hearts or will he show more faith in his players and go for his usual team selection?
Fans are certainly hoping some prominent first team players miss out with the likes of Craig Gordon and Dedryck Boyata being singled out to be dropped for the visit of the Jags.
Dorus De Vries appears to be a popular choice to get a start with some supporters also calling for Kristoffer Ajer to get another opportunity after impressing in recent weeks.
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Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on tonight’s team selection…
Kevin Nolan says landing Andy Carroll is not “the be all and end all” and they will find a replacement if he doesn’t come.
Sam Allardyce would love to build next season’s team around the England striker, who impressed during his loan spell from Liverpool despite only scoring seven times, but it is looking unlikely after reports on Tuesday claimed he wanted to return to the Reds.
Nolan, who played with Carroll during their spells on Tyneside, hopes to see his good friend back in claret and blue, but says if that is not going to be the case they will find a replacement.
“It will be massive if we do get Andy, but it is not the be all and end all,” Nolan said.
“I have been with Sam a long time. When he did not manage to get his first man, he has always managed to get his second man and we always manage to do well.
“If he gets the chance to bring the quality of the players he wants, then I am sure we will be aiming for the higher echelons of the Premier League.
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“I have a lot of faith that Sam will get the men he wants in the summer and will be working hard with the chairman to do that.”